3 remaining salary-cap crunches the Commanders must make in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders restructure Curtis Samuel
- Cap savings – $6.08 million
This one is a little riskier considering Curtis Samuel is out of contract in 2024. But the wide receiver’s contract is another that can be maneuvered to provide extra financial resources in free agency this year.
Samuel looks set to take a significant surge forward next season now that Eric Bieniemy is on board. The creative route concepts and his preference for quarterbacks to get the football out quickly stand to benefit the Ohio State product more than most, which could add extra dollars to his demands when it’s time to begin negotiations.
That’s for the future. It’s also worth remembering that the Commanders have $128.35 million available to spend in 2024 with no fewer than 31 players under contract – something that could increase further depending on where the NFL sets the cap.
That’s why kicking the financial can down the road is tempting. In Samuel’s case, restructuring his contract comes with an extra $6.08 million attached, which is a nice chunk of change to spend on a veteran that can assist immediately.
Should the multi-purpose weapon thrive next season as expected, then the Commanders should have no trouble offering him a worthy deal. If not, then Washington would still be paying him for a season or two after his departure.